MARGAO: The South Goa Zilla Panchayat at its meeting on Friday discussed a host of issues, including the Regional Plan, the ‘coconut tree bill’, SUMUL and the ZP’s new premises. The ZP also resolved to meet every month to clear the backlog of issues.
At the meeting, ZP member Jaideep Shirodkar proposed that the ZP pass a resolution to oppose the ‘coconut tree bill’. The ZP then argued about what the actual issue was and how it had to be dealt with. Some members claimed that the issue is different than what is being propagated and refused to support Shirodkar’s proposal. Others demanded a clarification from the government on its stand.
“The coconut tree bill has to be studied and dealt with correctly, and the present bill has to be withdrawn” said Shirodkar.
The ZP then congratulated the government for introducing SUMUL to Goa and said that it was necessary to end the monopoly and arrogance of Goa Dairy towards the milk farmers. It has also resolved to support the SUMUL’s entry in the State.
“An administrator needs to be appointed for the Goa Dairy, which has to be probed for irregularities. As far as SUMUL goes, we are in support of it,” said Shirodkar.
The ZP also called for the suggestions of village panchayats to be considered while finalising the Regional Plan 2021.
Nelly Rodrigues then lashed out at the SGZP president for not ensuring that the new ZP office was ready on time. She stated, “We are paying over Rs 40,000 as rent for a small old office and money to hold meetings in the South Collectorate conference hall, which is wrong and needs to be looked into soon.”
